Review: Artist creates ‘music for the eyes’

Local mixed-media artist Terri Duncan has created 20 works of art that she considers to be “music for the eyes.”

Her current show now on display at Athens of Indiana Arts Studios & Gallery in downtown Crawfordsville is an excellent example of an artist making works of art as tribute to another art form.

“This exhibit blends my love of music into my artwork. However, no ability to sing or play an instrument was required. The spirit of music can touch a person physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually. It can awaken an emotional response such as awe, wonder, love, patriotism or serenity. It can be up lighting and recharging. It can also move you to do some toe tapping, sway to a beat, dance or in my case, paint!” she said.

Duncan shows her love of music through colorfully layered compositions of musical instruments. Many of these art works, as with much of her art, are sealed in resin. The transparent hardness of the resin leaves each piece crisp and permanent, and illustrates the artist’s command of the medium.

These musically charged works combine multiple layering techniques, which may include a variety of media such as acrylic paint and the implementation of multiple textures.

Duncan’s “In Tune” illustrates the meandering nature of jazz as the musician twists, turns, and manipulates a tune. The artist has used the keyboard of a piano as subject matter, allowing the viewers to follow the zig-zagging melody being played. It reminds us of a long walk over hills and through valleys as we follow a complex path to the last note.

In “Duet,” the artist has cut two paintings of a guitar into strips and has woven them together to illustrate visually what a duet of two stringed instruments would look like. The combination of bright blues, orange, and reds, along with the textural weaving creates an image that simply jumps off the gallery wall. One can almost hear the music radiating from this work of art.

It is worth the short ride to Crawfordsville to visit Athens of Indiana Arts Studios & Gallery and see the work of their artist members as well as Duncan’s family friendly exhibit.